Ovechkin missed Saturday's game in Vegas but was on the ice for Monday's practice and "looked good," according to head coach Peter Laviolette. Ovechkin will replace T.J. Oshie (personal) in the lineup if he's able to go against the Avalanche. Ovechkin is in a bit of a slump, scoring just one goal with three assists (four points) in his last seven games.
Sandin missed the Maple Leafs' previous game due to an illness but will draw back into Toronto's lineup Thursday as they take on Winnipeg. The 22-year-old defensemen has taken a step forward offensively this season, with three goals, 12 assists, 44 SOG, 15 PIMs and a +7 plus/minus prior to missing Tuesday's game.
The Capitals did not have an update on Dowd's status postgame, so consider him questionable to play Tuesday. If Dowd's out, look for Lars Eller to draw back into the lineup to replace him.
Sandin has three goals, 12 assists, 15 PIMs, 44 SOG and a +7 plus/minus through 40 games this season but will miss Tuesday's game vs. Florida as he deals with an illness.
Thompson allowed four goals on 37 shots (.892 SV%) for his second-straight loss in a defeat to Edmonton in his last start. The 25-year-old rookie has been fantastic this season, with his 18-11-1 record, 2.71 GAA and .913 SV%. He takes on the Dallas Stars, who have lost their last two games but are seventh in the NHL in goals (3.43).
Dowd has 10 goals, 17 points, 38 SOG, 18 PIMs and a +8 plus/minus through 39 games and missed his first contest of the year Thursday for the birth of his child.
